22. The Chopper May 2026

The insults traded in this episode are some of the sharpest in the series. Who can forget Holt’s deadpan delivery of, "I thought you were dead, but I see you've managed to find a way to resurface from the underworld" ? "Velvet Thunder"

If you ask a Brooklyn Nine-Nine fan to name the moment the show truly hit its stride, you'll hear a lot of votes for the "Halloween Heists" or the "Pontiac Bandit" sagas. But for those of us who love the perfect blend of high-stakes action and workplace absurdity, one episode stands above the rest:

Whether you're a first-time viewer or on your tenth rewatch, "The Chopper" reminds us that at the end of the day, the 99 is more than just a precinct—it's a family that looks really, really cool getting out of a helicopter. 22. The Chopper

Seeing the normally stoic, rule-following Captain embrace the cinematic drama of a helicopter raid is pure joy. It’s a pivotal moment in Holt and Jake's relationship, showing that while Holt is Jake's mentor, Jake is also teaching Holt how to occasionally have a little (very disciplined) fun. The B-Plot: The School Trip from Hell

The heart of "The Chopper" is the ongoing, legendary feud between Captain Raymond Holt and Deputy Chief Madeline Wuntch. This episode takes their rivalry to new heights—literally. When Wuntch grants Jake a high-profile case involving the "Fulton Street Four," Holt is immediately suspicious. He’s convinced she’s setting Jake up for a public failure to embarrass the precinct. The insults traded in this episode are some

We can't talk about this episode without mentioning the "Chopper" itself. Jake, fueled by his love for 80s action movies, is thrilled when the investigation requires a helicopter. But it’s Captain Holt who steals the show. To lean into the "cool factor" of the mission, Holt adopts the call sign

When Amy and Rosa eventually resort to showing the kids "scary" crime scene photos to keep their attention, it highlights the show's ability to take a mundane situation and turn it into something hilariously inappropriate. Why It Matters But for those of us who love the

"The Chopper" works so well because it encapsulates everything the show does best. It balances a genuine detective mystery with character-driven humor. It moves the overarching plot forward (setting the stage for the dramatic Season 2 finale) while giving us iconic catchphrases and visual gags.